The Blog

Red Deer Roadtrips: Exploring Central Alberta Edition

Have you been out lately – specifically, have you been to Central Alberta lately? When was the last time adventured in Blackfalds? Or explored Ponoka? It’s time to change that and discover some of the best Alberta has to offer. Get the bags ready and the car loaded up. First stop: Radisson Red Deer.

There’s lots to love about the Radisson Red Deer. Besides being well liked by visitors, the Radisson Red Deer is a great spot to plan several jaunts in nearby neighbourhoods. Conveniently located just five minutes away from the downtown core and a short trek from the Red Deer Airport, the hotel offers great accommodations and amenities including free continental breakfast, a great fitness centre (trainers available) and indoor heated pool.

Here’s a look at some things you could do while embarking upon an adventure in central Alberta. What are you waiting for?

Power-walk Cranna Lake Trail

Lacombe has an extensive trail system, developed as perimeters around its three lakes: Barnett, Cranna and Elizabeth. Cranna Lake in particular has a 1.8 km trail, part of it connecting with the much larger Trans Canada Trail system of recreational trails that traverse the country. It’s well maintained and a great way to get some exercise in a new place, plus, Elizabeth Lake is close by if you’re craving a bigger challenge.

Stop for Lunch or Dinner

Next head to the home of the only indoor portion of the Trans Canada Trail – Blackfalds!

It’s time for dinner and Blackfalds may be the food destination to get you full and ready for the next stop. Sushi Ta-Ke might be the place you’re looking for. It’s the tiny sushi restaurant that could, its hidden-gem status confirmed by every positive TripAdvisor and Zomato review that proclaims its sushi to be better than what you can find in Edmonton or Calgary.

Explore Ponoka’s Fort Ostell Museum

A blend of rural and urban; Ponoka is a town caught in the middle, with some fascinating callbacks to its rich past. The Fort Ostell Museum is chock-full of pioneer artifacts, relics and other exhibits representing Ponoka’s history, the experiences of the settlers and Indigenous people of the region. Between that and visiting Ponoka’s historic downtown, you’ll get enough of a blast to the past to suffice your inner history buff.